#25997: Allied Organization Session for IASA Guaranteed

Title: (In)Visibility in the Marginalized Field of Italian American Studies

MLA Description: Examines Morrison’s assertion that “Invisible ink is what lies under, between, outside the lines, hidden until the right reader discovers it,” then can only Italian Americans be the “right reader[s]” of Italian-American texts. Works dealing with fiction, film, memoir, poetry, and theater are welcome. 250-word abstract and 75-word bio.

Longer Call for Papers

Guaranteed Session Title:(In)Visibility in the Marginalized Field of Italian American Studies

Inspired by Toni Morrison’s insight that “Invisible ink is what lies under, between, outside the lines, hidden until the right reader discovers it” (348), this session explores the hidden narratives, obscured identities, and nuanced perspectives within Italian-American texts. The central question guiding this session is who is the “right reader” for Italian-American works. By delving into Morrison’s notion of invisible ink, we investigate whether only Italian Americans can unveil the intricate layers of meaning embedded in these texts. This inquiry sparks a compelling exploration into the intersections of identity, cultural context, and reader reception within the realm of Italian American Studies.

Submissions are invited across a spectrum of literary and artistic mediums, including fiction, film, memoir, poetry, and theater. We welcome diverse perspectives and approaches that shed light on the multifaceted aspects of (in)visibility within the Italian-American experience. Scholars are encouraged to engage critically with the theme, examining how Italian-American texts negotiate visibility, representation, and the construction of identity. This session offers a platform for scholars to contribute to the ongoing discourse in Italian American Studies, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in the marginalized field. By addressing the theme of (in)visibility, contributors have the opportunity to unravel hidden narratives, challenge existing assumptions, and contribute to the broader conversation on the nuanced experiences of Italian Americans. We look forward to a rich and diverse array of submissions that will illuminate the untold stories and perspectives within this vibrant and complex cultural landscape.Please send your 250-word abstract and 75-word bio to Alan Gravano  (alan.gravano@rm.edu) by Sunday, March 17, 2024.